The Imagined Life

So much more than just an acting studio! This has quickly become my home for artistic development. They foster a sense of community and mutual support which is so refreshing in LA. This class is about more than «technique» for an actor. It’s about developing empathy as a human being and about being of service through your art, which also allows you to connect to your audience. The results are amazing! I’ve seen everyone in class develop so much in a very short amount of time. It’s a place where you can be truthful and authentic through your stories. Plus, it’s a place where you can take the pressure off and really play!
I’m grateful to have found this creative family.
Tip: They keep the air conditioner set to freezing, so be sure to bring a sweater!

VENDORS BEWARE OF THIS COMPANY. Out company was called in for several instances to assist Steve Tiesort with technical theatre needs at this theatre and he NEVER pays the balance of invoices in full. The first contract he finally paid the balance, reluctantly after I was forced to asked repeatedly for it. The second invoice was short as well and after we offered to end the agreement at COST he still refused to pay in full. VENDORS BEWARE IN DEALING WITH THIS COMPANY.

Diana is a very nice woman and the studio is well run. I’m not sure about the other teachers there, but she does give great lectures and they apply to life not just acting.
However I’ve seen a side to Diana that I just don’t like. She hates other techniques and rags on substitution, which I have studied both techniques and really it’s up to an individual actor to figure out what their specific approach will be. I’ve seen her tell stories about people who are using substitutions and they would do things like keep an estranged relative estranged for the sake of having something to use in a scene. And what she needs to realize is that kind of life choice is not because of a technique. That’s an individual making a fear based choice in about their life. If they were to live freely and do what they wanted, new relationships and obstacles would develop and a technique, especially one based in using substitutions, would continually be evolving and growing. But her examples are consistently of people living in fear and that is not because of an acting technique – they and she may think it is but I think she knows better and her consistent ragging is the only place, where to me, she loses some credibility.
Also, I see a lot that people are easily moved to tears in their scenes. And that’s great because they are going through something real and organic but I never see a fight in anyone. And she never talks about it either as far as specific scenes go. There’s a difference between crying to cry and then crying because you cant possibly hold back the tears. When it’s all about being sad and that’s all it is, it can sometimes get to be like your watching a bunch of victims get on stage and put something up. And it’s rarely addressed. Which for me gets annoying.
But overall, I would say this is a great studio to study imagination. And she gives amazing lectures. Also, like any other studio – commit to only executing Diana’s technique or else you will not benefit or fully understand it’s value. Leave your substitutions and script analysis at home – and just embrace it. You will learn how to truly empathize and bring to life the words on the page.

What I love about The Imagined Life studio is that Diana, Steve and Faline commit with their life force to each individual student. It is a serious commitment they make to nurture you as an artist and a working professional. Everything is geared around self-​sufficiency and long-​term sustainability in the industry through craft honed via a daily structured workout and a weekly class in a supportive creative community. If you don’t grow at this place you literally are doing the opposite of everything you’re told to do. You would have to make a conscious effort not to learn. All the resources, tools, inspiration and heart investment by the instructors are there. One need only to decide to expand and execute.
That is the difference between The Imagined Life and every other studio in town. The teachers are as committed to your success as you are and in some cases more. They truely believe in you and have a physicial vision of your ideal – your potential is real and physical to them. It’s not a simple business transaction and it’s not just a class. It’s place where potential is actualized, because they believe it already exists within you. They don’t give it to you through a technique. You walk in the door with it and Diana, Steve and Faline have made it their job to excavate that potential.
The Imagined Life is a wonderful place to learn and grow as a human being, whether you are an actor, writer, director or just looking to be a better person. I highly recommend it!

This class transformes the fabric of your soul! Not only as a storyteller but also as a human being!!! THREE THUMBS UP!!!

I’m sitting here trying to put into words how grateful I am for having found Diana Castle and The Imagined Life. Once you experience the Imagined Life world, it just ‘makes sense.’ Any other class you’ve taken or «technique» you’ve tried just seems sub par to what is taught here. The studio is a safe haven to explore your imagination and learn about yourself in a fun and loving environment. Diana is beyond sharp and can put even the most complicated thoughts into words that sound like a poem. Her passion for her work and students seeps from her pores and I can’t see myself attending another studio. This place is filled with love. If you are looking for a way to explore the depths of your imagination, if you’re wanting to stop thinking those «actor thoughts» and get out of your head, and if you are yearning to «be» and not «act” — I recommend The Imagined Life. :)

I went to see «Women Are Crazy Because Men Are Assholes» here last month. The play was fantastic, and so was the theatre!
They have a nice lobby and every seat in the house seemed to be a good one!
My only complaint is the bathroom is kinda attached to the stage…
P. S. Street parking is allowed two blocks west.

Diana is hands down amazing. I’ve had several acting coaches in LA now, and while they have all been great in their own way — she is the cream of the crop. From the time she invests in you, to her approach, all the way to her students’ body of work speaking for itself.
Without getting into too much about her take on everything. She allows you to really harness your imagination and empathy and lets everything stem from there and go to amazing lengths and depths. Plus, her intro class is nothing like I’ve seen in LA. She actually sits down with you and a small group of actors and goes through everything for approx 4 hours so you really have a good feel on what your journey is going to look like.
I can’t say enough good stuff about her. Definitely check her out if you’re on the bubble or looking for a great coach.